Coronation Street star John Saint Ryan has died at the age of 72.

The English actor and horse trainer passed away on April 3 surrounded by his family after suffering a heart attack. 

News of John’s death was shared by his wife Joyce on Facebook, who wrote: ‘I and our family want to let our friends know that John had a heart attack the evening of Thursday 3rd of April.

‘We were with him at the hospital where the staff did everything possible but unfortunately he did not survive.

‘We are absolutely heart broken. John wanted to aid medical research and donated his body, so there will not be a funeral.

‘Later, we will arrange a celebration of his wonderful life. We are all fortunate to have known and loved this special ”Gentleman” as he has been described to me numerous times over the last couple of days.’

Coronation Street star John Saint Ryan has died at the age of 72 (pictured on the soap with Julie Goodyear as Bette Lynch)

The actor also starred opposite Heath Ledger in the 1997 film Roar (pictured)

John starred on Corrie as lorry driver Charlie Whelan between 1994 and 1995, and was famously involved in a relationship with iconic barmaid Bet Lynch.

Bet enjoyed her relationship with Charlie during her separation from husband Alec, but their relationship crumbled when barmaid Tanya Pooley set her sights on him.

After Charlie succumbed to her advances, the pair ran away to Germany together, but their relationship didn’t last as Tanya dumped him soon after.

John was born in Burnley, Lancashire, in 1953 and became a martial arts teacher in the town, before landing her first role as a stunt double for Sean Connery on the film set The Medicine Man.

Saint Ryan then made his acting debut in G.B.H. in 1983 on Channel 4, and then had a small role in Emmerdale Jameson before appearing on Corrie.

Other supporting roles in films and television series included Buffy the Vampire Slayer, General Hospital, Murder, She Wrote, Cybill and The Heidi Chronicles. 

He also played the main antagonist Cyborg in American Cyborg: Steel Warrior.

A keen supporter of Burnley Football Club, John relocated to California in the early 1990s, and operated a cattle ranch called Red Rose Ranch where he trained horses and riders in both dressage and western riding.

He specialised in the doma vaquera style of riding and has won multiple national and international titles in the sport.

Saint Ryan is survived by Joyce and his three sons.